Solidarity With the Muslim Communities

A statement by the YDS Coordinating Committee, drafted by Kayla Pace.

History has shown us that fear-mongering and hatred towards certain minority groups is nothing new when it comes to political elections. Various societies over different periods of time have shown this to be true. A notable example is the hatred directed towards the Jewish community by the Nazis in Germany. Unfortunately, this year has proven that fear-mongering tactics are not for the history books but something we, as Democratic Socialists, need to fight in our current political climate. 

While many citizens across the nation are crying out for a Sanders presidency and the institution of more socialist policies, other more conservative Americans are crying out for Donald Trump. Young Democratic Socialists reprimands Trump’s strong anti-Muslim sentiments. In recent comments he has stated there needs to be surveillance of Muslim communities; this surveillance would potentially include a database to track them and specialized identification cards. These ideas are appalling to our ideology as socialists, and we must work tirelessly to dismiss his anti-Muslim rhetoric and show that the “values” he is spreading are not American. As a country, we should not support a candidate that is actively spreading hate among certain groups of American citizens.

Trump and his followers’ rhetoric has real implications for Muslims, immigrants, and people of color. 

Sanders Pledges Immigration Action Within First 100 Days

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders promised Monday to begin taking executive action on immigration reform during the first 100 days of his presidency, including sweeping deportation relief that would go beyond the policies of President Barack Obama. 

"To the degree that Congress is unable to act, it is clear to me that the president of the United States has got to use the powers that are in his province," he said in Las Vegas at a forum hosted by the advocacy group Fair Immigration Reform Movement and the magazine The Nation. 

The Vermont independent senator has been increasing his efforts to win over the Latino community, which largely supports immigration reform and ranks it as a higher priority -- although not usually the highest priority -- than voters at large. Though he hasn't traditionally been a major voice on immigration reform, Sanders promised to take bold action should he win the presidency. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who are also seeking the nomination, have pledged to act as well. 

Ed note: See prior posts on Republican positions.

Bernie Sanders and the Hope for Democratic Socialism

Forum.  July 24, 2015.    7 PM.
The Sol Collective. Sacramento 2574 21st. Street. Sacramento
Sponsored by Sacramento DSA, the Sacramento Progressive Alliance  and more.

Sacramento Candidate Eric Guerra - Worked His Way Up !

Endorsed by Progressive Alliance, Calif. Nurses, Los Rios Federation of Teachers. 

Election.  April 7, 2015. 

Marcos Breton. Sacramento Bee

Sitting in a Sacramento diner on Friday morning while preparing to go door to door in his campaign to win a City Council seat, Eric Guerra shook his head while considering his life of achievement over poverty.

“Sometimes even I can’t believe that I am here,” said Guerra, 36, a policy analyst at the state Capitol who is running to fill the Tahoe Park/Elmhurst/College Greens council seat recently vacated by Kevin McCarty. Absentee ballots go out March 9, and election day is April 7.

One of the most interesting candidates to seek political office in the state capital in some time, Guerra has gone from farmworker kid, to college student living out of his car, to student body president at Sacramento State, to an advanced degree, a sought-after job, a home, family and a community where he is a budding leader.

“From where I was to middle class in less than a generation, “ Guerra said. “Where else can you do that?”

Guerra could become the first Latino elected to the Sacramento City Council in nearly 20 years, but that designation sells him short.

The American Dream...

In the midst of economic and political turmoil, it is difficult to imagine and embrace the fundamental values that we as Americans believe in; the things that make our country the greatest nation on earth. Sadly, these tough times have made too many middle class families believe that the American Dream is far from reality.

But I am writing to tell you that the American Dream does exist – and I am living proof of its incredible promise.

The son of migrant farm workers, I was able to rise from the fields of California and touch the sky on the Space Shuttle Discovery as an Astronaut, a lifelong goal I was able to achieve thanks to the promise of the American Dream. Now retired, I feel it is my obligation to help others achieve the American Dream just like I did.

That's why I am proud to be running for United States Congress in California's 10th Congressional District. Learn more about my campaign and watch our introduction video right here:
Jose Hernandez.